Branson Critic - The Online Magazine for Branson Show Reveiws

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Branson is about wholesome family entertainment. The Dutton family understands this as well as anyone in the business and the entire family works together to present the best in wholesome entertainment. How so much talent can exist in one family is beyond my ability to explain, but it is there; I and millions of others have seen it for ourselves. Last year The Duttons were among the top 10 finalists on America’s Got Talent. Millions of TV viewers got to see just a small sampling of their abilities. Here in Branson, locals and visitors are treated to a full two-hour top quality production that showcases the special talents of three generations of this amazing family in their own theatre.

Children on stage are cute, right? It’s one thing to be cute but it’s an entirely different thing to be cute and exceptionally gifted. The third generation of Duttons is not just paraded on stage; they have a role to play that highlights their talent and without exception, they all do it well. The kids’ singing is professionally done, hitting perfect pitch instantly and holding it true for as long as it takes. The voices are augmented with gifted acting ability (gestures, eye and facial expressions) that marks true professionalism. This permits the theme of the moment to be presented convincingly with the entire stage coming alive with talent everywhere. Dancing, singing, comedy; they do it all.

The show opens with a medley of down home style music, “Play Me Some Mountain Music,” “Rocky Top,” and a fantastic performance of, “I’ve Been Everywhere.” Throughout the show you can see this family doesn’t just play their multiple instruments - they play with them; playing the banjo behind the back (not behind the head - down behind the lower back). How’d he do that? You need to keep your eyes on the stage because things move fast. There is constant movement of performers and continual exchanging of instruments.

Got someone in your group who doesn’t like country music? Don’t worry; there is plenty of variety in the Duttons show. Amy plays some beautiful classical violin as well as a version of “Orange Blossom Special” that can’t be beat. Amy also played on the miniature fiddle she learned to play when she was 3 years old. You won’t believe the music she gets out of that little thing.

There is no need for a stand-up comedian; comedy is plentiful throughout the show. There is playful sibling rivalry with each one having perfect comedic timing. Even leading into the intermission, Ben and Jonathan announce their product specials for sale in a way that is reminiscent of an “Abbott and Costello” routine - very funny and entertaining, as were the not-so-subliminal messages projected on the screen as we waited for the show to start. Messages like “EAT POPCORN - EAT POPCORN - EAT POPCORN.” Dutton family trivia questions were also presented on the screen for pre-show entertainment; e.g., How many Duttons are at a typical Thanksgiving dinner? Answer: 41, give or take a few.

A Mary Poppins rooftop segment showed a light-hearted and brilliantly scripted segment that seemed fun for the kids on stage as well as the kids and adults in the audience. The props and choreography were first rate. And then there were the tender moments that pulled at the heart strings as when Timothy and daughter, Rachel sang “Daddy, Tell Me The Story.” The sweet, innocent tone of their voices said as much as the words.

Dean and Sheila Dutton had 7 biological children before they adopted 7 teenagers. Now there are 19 grandchildren. The success of the show over the years demonstrates that beyond the excellent entertainers on stage, the family also has an abundance of expertise in a business sense. They know how to market their show, they know what the audience likes and they make sure their show delivers consistently. The show and marketing innovations are in constant change mode to keep up with, and maybe even stay ahead of, the times. Their success also shows they have made wise business decisions over the years. They have also acquired a new theatre in Arizona where they will perform in the off season (January - March).

Family entertainment by a family of entertainers; the Duttons Music Show covers a variety of music styles, great vocals and musicianship, a lot of comedy, dancing and lots of action on stage. The Duttons - it’s what Branson is all about.

Bob Cort, Editor